This is the first time that DC has edged out Marvel in terms of market share in 2011. However, writer Warren Ellis was quick to downplay the significance of September's figures.

"So DC Comics' media-blitzed massive relaunch of its entire line in September got them this: A half-point lead in dollar share over Marvel Comics (who had one high-profile launch in the September frame)," he wrote on his blog. "A five-point lead in units sold over Marvel Comics. But all those units DC sold are returnable.

"Thank god all those DC execs told everyone they weren't interested in market share. Otherwise someone might have come away with the notion that DC really intended to give Marvel a fight in the marketplace and make Marvel sort their own s**t out. What a stroke of luck for everybody."